MILWAUKEE — In July of 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first over-the-counter birth control pill.

Now, it’s finally on the shelves at local pharmacies. Just a few days ago, the first shipment of the ‘Opill’ made it’s way to Hayat Pharmacies in Milwaukee.

What You Need To Know

  • Just a few days ago, the first shipment of the ‘Opill’ made it’s way to Hayat Pharmacies in Milwaukee

  • The FDA said the ‘Opill’ is not recommended for women who have had breast cancer, who are pregnant or in combination with other forms of birth control

  • At Hayat Pharmacy, the one month supply of the ‘Opill’ is priced around $20. For the three month supply, it is just under $50

  • The pill can also help people that do not have access to reproductive health care or are in-between appointments

“A lady can come, purchase it without an ID, without a prescription,” Dr. Hashim Zaibak, Founder of Hayat Pharmacy, said. “That is something brand new here in the state of Wisconsin.”

Zaibak said the ‘Opill’ is a form of birth control with just one active ingredient. He said it is comparable to some birth controls that require a prescription.

“It’s the same active ingredients,” he said. “So, this is not superior to the prescription and the prescription medications are not superior to this.”

Because there is only one active ingredient instead of two, Dr. Zaibak said this type of birth control is similar to what he provides to women who are breastfeeding. 

(Spectrum News 1/Megan Marshall)

However, he said with only one active ingredient, patients cannot miss taking the pill, otherwise it will not be effective.

“I think once people know they can just buy it like they buy their ibuprofen and Tylenol, then i’m sure that more and more people will buy it, especially because it’s priced at a very decent price,” Zaibak said.

At Hayat Pharmacy, the one month supply of the ‘Opill’ is priced around $20. For the three month supply, it is just under $50.

This price is comparable to general brand birth control, however, it is priced much cheaper than name brand birth control that is prescribed.

Zaibak said it can also be purchased with a health savings account (HSA) and Wisconsin Medicaid patients can also request the ‘Opill’ at no-charge.

While this can be purchased over the counter with no age limit and no identification, Zaibak said it’s important to consult your doctor and read the labels to make sure it’s safe.

The pill can also help people that do not have access to reproductive healthcare or are in-between appointments.

Zaibak said he believes this pill is the start of more access to contraception.

“I think we are going to see more brands,” Zaibak said. “We might even at some point get the combo birth control pill.”

The FDA said the ‘Opill’ is not recommended for women who have had breast cancer, who are pregnant or in combination with other forms of birth control.

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